Lesson Twenty Seven

GOD’S HAPPY SURPRISE

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Memory Verse: Matthew 3:3
Further Study: Luke 1:1-25, 57-80; 3:2-18; Desire of Ages, 97-108; The Bible Story, vol. 7, pp. 18-22

Our minister of music decided to pursue his doctorate. To do so meant auditioning. There were more than 200 applicants. First it was narrowed to seven. Then to two. He became one of two they would accept for the coming year. Have you ever had an experience like that? It feels good to be chosen, but maybe somewhat daunting. Much is expected from those who outdid all the others. 

Much is expected from those who outdid all the others. 

Jewish tradition gives background to Zechariah’s story that is similar to the audition, although in this case it was through casting lots. Priests served two weeks a year at the temple. Although an older priest, he was still active, and it was Zechariah’s turn for service. There were four lots cast among the priests who had arrived for service. The first, second, and fourth lots selected priests who would prepare the sacrifice and cleanse the temple, but the third lot was the most significant. This lot selected the priest who would offer the incense.

This role for a priest happened only once in their lifetime. Some never were chosen. Zechariah was selected on the third lot. Like our minister of music who was awarded a top spot, Zechariah was chosen to place the incense on the altar that stood right before the Most Holy Place. This was a place of honor, importance, and apprehension for this priest stood as close as possible to the presence of God Himself.

As he stood before the altar, Zechariah sensed he was not alone. 

As he stood before the altar, Zechariah sensed he was not alone. In front and to the right, stood the angel Gabriel. The angel calmed his fear and said to him, “Your prayer is heard.” Which prayer?

What was Zechariah praying at the time? From the angel’s response, it would appear he was praying for a son. But was he? Perhaps, but it’s hard to imagine this was his prayer at that moment. He and his wife were well past childbearing years. They’d long ago resolved there would be no children for them.

Most likely he was praying a corporate prayer—one that was part of the evening sacrifice ritual. It included praying for the people, the nation, and the long-expected Messiah. You can see why Zechariah might have been confused. “Your prayer has been heard; your wife will have a son!” Except he wasn’t praying for a son—at least hadn’t for a long time. But the angel’s response was correct—the Messiah is coming and, oh, by the way, Zechariah, your son will prepare the way for Him!

What great news for us! First, we learn our prayers that we’ve prayed repeatedly are heard even if we’ve yet to get a response. God hears, answers, and most importantly, remembers prayers, even when we’ve given up hope. A long ago prayer may still be answered in God’s time. 

A long ago prayer may still be answered in God’s time.

Second, sometimes we don’t realize that we may actually be part of the answer. We often pray believing that the solution will come from somewhere else. That wayward child, the derelict relative, the impoverished bank account—we pray that God will provide the solution through Himself or others. But God may be wanting us to be the solution. It may look impossible as it did to Zechariah, but Zechariah was part of the solution; and what made it possible was God. 

God hears our prayers and longs to provide answers. Let’s open our hearts and minds to Him today and be renewed.

Digging Deeper 

The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 676, gives us some interesting information regarding Gabriel. Consider his involvement in the following:

• Gabriel occupies the position from which Lucifer fell. (Desire of Ages, p. 693)
• He stands next in honor and rank to Christ Himself (Dan. 10:21)
• Gabriel appeared to Daniel (Daniel 9:25)
• He appeared to Zacharias (Luke 1:19)
• He appeared to Mary (Luke 1: 26, 27)
• It is assumed he appeared to Joseph (Matthew 1:20)
• Gabriel strengthened Christ in Gethsemane (Desire of Ages, p. 693)
• He intervened between Christ and the tomb (Desire of Ages, p. 694)
• He opened the tomb and called Jesus to come forth (Desire of Ages, p. 779, 780)
• Gabriel was one of two angels who accompanied Christ through life (Desire of Ages, p. 793)
• He also appeared to disciples on Mt. Olivet when Christ ascended to heaven (Desire of Ages, p. 832)
• Gabriel appeared to John on Patmos (Desire of Ages, p. 99, Rev. 1:1)

Making it Real

What difference does it make to you when you learn that God remembers our prayers, those that we’ve prayed for so long, but have yet to see an answer? What do we learn about God?

What have you prayed for recently that might be answered by you deciding to be used by God as part of the solution?

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Merle Poirier writes from Silver Spring, Maryland, where she works as the operation manager for Adventist Review and Adventist World magazines as well as the designer for KidsView, a magazine for 8-12-year-olds. She enjoys spending time with her family including being a grandmother to two active little boys, who greatly enjoy Starting With Jesus, and a granddaughter, born in 2023. She is blessed to have all three living close by continually bringing joy and delight.